Working in the ‘stans

Status
Not open for further replies.


I work in Kazakhstan for one month a year. It's mad hot in summer with mosquitos galore and can reach minus 40 in winter, so pack accordingly. The food is awful, the drink is OK. Almaty (including the airport) is no bother, but I got robbed by airport security in Atyrau. The bastards. It's big and flat... and that's about it.​
 
Khazak, Uzbek etc



Anyone worked there before, and if so, how many times did you get ripped off and/or mugged?

Never done any of the ‘stans but got ripped off and mugged several times a day working in Russia. Just put it down on works expenses !

Seriously, if it’s only for a few days, go for it. It’s fascinating discovering different places and cultures. Chances are you will hate some things but love others, either way it will open your eyes a little.

(Russians and Georgians I worked with briefly were actually all really nice people)
 
Canny advice so far. However, people saying go out and enjoy the experience obviously haven’t read enough of my threads to understand my issues with people and with non-organised things. I once went to a conference in Harrogate and didn’t speak to a single person while I was there.
Ditto with the aforementioned Paris trip. I just mooched around smoking tabs aggressively and swaggering like a hard man.
If I do end up in one of these places on my own I’m not leaving the f***ing hotel.
 
Canny advice so far. However, people saying go out and enjoy the experience obviously haven’t read enough of my threads to understand my issues with people and with non-organised things. I once went to a conference in Harrogate and didn’t speak to a single person while I was there.
Ditto with the aforementioned Paris trip. I just mooched around smoking tabs aggressively and swaggering like a hard man.
If I do end up in one of these places on my own I’m not leaving the f***ing hotel.
In either case you'll be fine. Just one way you'll be out having a laugh and possibly a great life experience, and the other you will be in your hotel room (take your Xbox or whatever you play), eating room service and drinking a few beers. You'll be safe as houses whatever.
 
In either case you'll be fine. Just one way you'll be out having a laugh and possibly a great life experience, and the other you will be in your hotel room (take your Xbox or whatever you play), eating room service and drinking a few beers. You'll be safe as houses whatever.
The chances are it will be at a power station or chemical plant in the middle of nowhere so I don’t know how much culture there would be to experience anyway.
 
The chances are it will be at a power station or chemical plant in the middle of nowhere so I don’t know how much culture there would be to experience anyway.
People just living their lives in a completely different environment from what you're used to is cultural man. I know what you mean about your experiences mind, I'm as shy as they come, but I made an effort to just go for it once I was on the road as it really is the opportunity of a life time. It's not always glamorous, in fact in truth it rarely is, but it's definitely interesting and gives you some cracking tales and experiences to look back on.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Back
Top